Habitat 40 Spring 2015

bottles to low income families through our community partners -- part of another important “green” initiative to discontinue sale and use of bottled water at the Zoo – as well as Shades of Green , the Zoo’s guide to reducing individuals’ impact on the Earth. With the support of the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, the Detroit Zoo will soon begin turning one of our most abundant “products” into a valuable and sustainable resource. As home to more than 2,500 animals of 280 species, the Zoo generates more than 400 tons of manure annually. This year, a generous grant from the Erb Family Foundation will support the construction of a biodigester, which will turn this waste into energy from methane gas – creating 5,900 MMBtu of energy and 470,000 kWh of electricity. That adds up to savings of an estimated $60,000- $70,000 in energy costs each year. Once this energy has been captured, the biodigester will convert the leftover organic matter into compost to enhance the Zoo’s gardens and landscaping. This new technology will also eliminate the need to transport truckloads of waste offsite, saving fossil fuel and helping to keep our air cleaner. The construction of the biodigester is the culmination of a two-year planning process that has been supported by the Michigan Energy Office. The Erb Family Foundation’s $625,000 grant will further advance the Zoo’s sustainability initiatives by funding distribution of free refillable water detroitzoo.org • HABITAT | 15 dzoo.org/support  suppor t Throughout your lifetime, you have loved and supported the Detroit Zoo, and you have seen it flourish. From a beloved family attraction to a world- renowned leader in animal welfare, the Zoo is growing and thriving thanks to the support of the community and caring individuals like you. Maybe it’s time to consider a gift that will help the Zoo sustain and expand its mission of Celebrating and Saving Wildlife for future generations. By arranging a contribution to the Detroit Zoological Society through your estate plan, you may be able to complete a lifetime of giving or make a significant gift that would not have been possible sooner. It is probably easier than you think to include a provision in your will or to name the Detroit Zoological Society as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account. Many gift techniques also offer tax-saving benefits. Donors who choose to include the Detroit Zoo in their estate plans can join a growing number of benefactors who are members of the Wildlife Legacy Circle. A member of our Development staff would be happy to explore some options with you, or to meet with you and your advisor. For more information, please contact Tricia Brosnahan at (248) 336-5728 or tbrosnahan@dzs.org . If a planned gift is right for you, our goal is to work with you to make a meaningful gift that will bring you joy. Best of all, your gift will provide a lasting legacy by protecting wildlife around the world and ensuring that every generation has a better Detroit Zoo. Generous Gift will Convert “Zoo Poo” into Energy Long-time donor and volunteer Marjorie Diedrich has made plans for the Detroit Zoological Society and other charities in her estate. Consider the Ultimate “Green” Gift PHOTO BY TRICIA BROSNAHAN Architectural rendering provided by Albert Kahn and Associates.